Lucas Garrett – PERSPECTIVES

Lucas Garrett – PERSPECTIVES – by Stephanie J Bartik.

In the realm of music, where passion and perseverance meet, Lucas Garrett stands out not just for his musical prowess but also for his indomitable spirit in the face of Pompe disease, a genetic disorder that could have stifled his dreams before they even began to take shape. However, Lucas is not just any musician; he’s a living testament to the power of perseverance.  A rare mutation of Pompe disease not only allowed him to live, when others were not as fortunate, but also embedded strength into his human spirit.

Lucas’ journey into the world of music started with a classic tale—the influence of The Beatles. The iconic White Album played on his dad’s record player ignited a spark that would eventually lead him down the path of melodies and chords. He owes much to his family, who are always there to help support his dreams. A family deeply rooted in music, his grandmother was a music teacher, and a brother who followed her path also became a music teacher. His grandparents, involved in the church choir laid the foundation for Lucas’ musical pursuits. His father, a bass player, became his initial guide, showing him the first chords on the guitar. When you see Lucas out there at the clubs and venues, his family is always close by.

I recall personally being at some of his shows, and just seeing the pride light up in his parents faces, as they witness what a strong person their son has become.

Diagnosed with Pompe disease at a tender age of five months, Lucas faced challenges that would have deterred many. The genetic disorder, akin to muscular dystrophy, posed physical obstacles, especially when he started playing the guitar at 13. His muscles weren’t initially strong enough for conventional techniques, pushing him to embrace alternative styles, such as the inversions common in jazz music. As he grew stronger through treatments, his musical limitations diminished, but the unique styles he developed persisted, contributing to a distinctive approach to songwriting.

In the unforgiving landscape of the music industry, where stereotypes and biases can prevail, Lucas found strength in his disability. The perseverance instilled by Pompe disease became his ally, shaping him into a force to be reckoned with. He learned to navigate a world that sometimes doubted him, using his unwavering determination to defy expectations.

Lucas challenges the notion of being a role model, humbly stating that if people find inspiration in him, he is honored. Yet, his journey, marked by resilience and an unyielding spirit, undoubtedly paves the way for others from underrepresented backgrounds. His advice echoes a universal truth—fear should never be a barrier. Failure, in Lucas’ philosophy, is a steppingstone to success, and he draws inspiration from historical figures like Tesla, who refused to accept limitations.

One of the unique aspects of Lucas’ career is how he handles being the only person with a disability in the room. His recent experience at a theater production emphasized that, in the world of music, talent and the ability to hit the right notes often transcend physical appearances. Musicians, he notes, are among the most accepting people, valuing skill over superficial judgments.
When asked how he handles being different from others in the room, Lucas responds:
“Try it. Be afraid. Do something. Fail at something. Try it again. Never stop giving up. If you want something badly enough, there’s a way to accomplish it. It might not be the way you thought you’d do it, but the point remains. I was supposed to pass away before I turned 1, and I just celebrated 30 years of life with some very dear friends in the industry.

If you told me I’d be working with orchestras, scoring films, and playing some of the best theaters in this area when I was a kid, I’d have laughed you right out of the room. And now I am. I can’t wait to see what projects come my way in the coming years!”

Looking forward, Lucas envisions expanding his musical footprint by getting more of his music licensed into movies. His long-term goals, which include branching into acting, might seem lofty, but for someone who has defied the odds, they are within reach. He emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, never considering any project beneath him, and being open to collaboration and growth.

Lucas Garrett’s journey is more than a story of overcoming physical obstacles; it’s a testament to the transformative power of music and the human spirit. As he continues to compose his unique melodies, Lucas invites us all to embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and, above all, keep the music playing.

Lucas is releasing a visualizer video to “Going Home” on Dec. 15; the link here. The song itself will be available on all streaming platforms on Jan. 1, 2024. To support the release, please consider purchasing the song on Bandcamp here.

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